New England is popular because of its history. The Salem witch trials are a huge draw for horror writers. It gives them a ready - made backdrop of superstition and persecution. Also, the landscape is diverse yet often has a sense of isolation. There are mountains, forests, and coastlines that can all be used to create a spooky mood.
One common theme is the isolation of the New England landscape. The vast forests, small towns and old mansions can create a sense of loneliness and unease, like in many of Lovecraft's stories.
One common element is the old, spooky architecture. The colonial houses with their creaking floors and dark attics often serve as settings for horror. Another is the isolation. Many New England areas are rural, and the sense of being alone in the woods or in a small, desolate town can be very scary. Also, the long, cold winters add to the gloomy atmosphere in horror stories.
They often draw on the region's history. New England has a long and sometimes dark history, such as the Salem witch trials. Novels may incorporate elements of witchcraft, superstition, and the fear of the unknown that was prevalent during those times. This historical backdrop adds depth and authenticity to the horror.
In horror stories set in New England, the presence of the sea can be a key element. Storms at sea, haunted lighthouses, and strange creatures emerging from the ocean are common. The Puritan heritage also adds to the horror. Their strict beliefs and the idea of sin and punishment can be used to create a sense of dread. Plus, the local folklore and superstitions, such as tales of banshees or other supernatural beings, are often incorporated into the horror stories.
H. P. Lovecraft's works are also full of New England horror elements. For example, 'The Call of Cthulhu'. His stories often involve ancient, otherworldly and terrifying entities lurking in the New England landscapes.
There is a story about an ancient burial ground in England. It was said that if you walked through it at midnight on a full moon, you would see the spirits of the dead rising from their graves. These spirits were not friendly but rather seemed angry and vengeful. They would chase anyone who dared to enter their domain, and their wails could be heard for miles around. It was a place that locals avoided at all costs especially during certain times of the year.
H. P. Lovecraft's works often had a New England setting. For instance, 'The Call of Cthulhu' has elements related to the region. His use of the strange, isolated locations in New England and the idea of ancient, unknowable horrors lurking beneath the surface are characteristic of his horror stories set in the area.
One famous England horror story is about the Bloody Mary. Legend has it that if you stand in a dark bathroom, light a candle, and say 'Bloody Mary' three times into the mirror, a terrifying apparition will appear. Another is the story of the Tower of London, which is said to be haunted by the ghosts of those who were executed there. Anne Boleyn, for example, is often reported to be seen wandering the grounds, headless as she was beheaded at the Tower.
New England Gothic stories often have a sense of gloom and decay. They typically feature old, dilapidated settings like abandoned mansions or gloomy forests. The characters may be haunted by their pasts or face moral dilemmas.